1.1 Scientific Knowledge Flashcards
What is science?
To figure out if something is real science, look for these key characteristics that support a prediction, idea, or claim.
5 ways to test if something is science?
OBSERVABLE
TESTABLE
REPLICABLE
RELIABLE
FLEXIBLE
What is OBSERVABLE?
Science attempts to explain natural phenomena by analyzing and observing the world and testing ideas about it.
What does it mean for something to be TESTABLE?
The results of tests are called empirical evidence because the data collected can be observed or measured through experimentation.
What is Replicable mean in terms of science?
Empirical evidence can be reproduced and verified by other scientists if they conduct the same tests under the same conditions.
What does RELIABLE mean in terms of experiments?
The more an experiment is repeated, with the same outcomes, the more reliable the evidence becomes. Evidence without bias also increases its reliability. Reliability is measured by a percentage.
What does FLEXIBLE means in terms of science?
As new information is discovered, new evidence can add to current evidence, allowing scientists to improve their theories.
What is non-science?
If there is no way to measure, observe, or test these beliefs or opinions, they are not considered science.
EXAMPLE: There are many fields of knowledge, such as philosophy or art, that add to our view of the world. They can help us appreciate the beauty in nature, guide our interactions with others, and help us decide between right and wrong choices.
What is empirical evidence?
Knowledge gained by observation or measurement.
What makes a question able to be answered by science?
Here are a couple of things you can look for to determine if a question can be answered with science:
If the question is asking about an opinion or a moral value, it’s not something that can be measured using a scientific process. Therefore, it cannot be answered with science.
If the answer to the question cannot be tested and observed, it is not considered science.
What are the 5 steps of the scientific method.
QUESTION RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS TESTING ANALYSIS
Describe the steps of the scientific method.
QUESTION -
Scientific investigations usually begin with an observation and a question about it. Starting with a question guides the investigation and helps you know what knowledge you are trying to find.
Example: How do we get energy from sunlight?
RESEARCH
The next step is to do background research. Find resources that will give you information about your question. Someone may have researched it before. Previous investigations into the topic may lead you to new questions that need answers.
HYPOTHESIS
A hypothesis is an educated guess, prediction, or proposed explanation based on some research or observation. Predicting means you are anticipating what will happen as a consequence of something else. Constructing a hypothesis gives you variables to test in the investigations.
Most hypotheses are made using an “if, then” statement. If “this” happens, then “that” will take place. This helps you know how one thing can affect another and gives you something to test.
For example, “If my plant receives three hours of sunlight a day, then it will grow as expected.”
TESTING
An experiment allows you to test your hypothesis and see if it is a correct or incorrect prediction of your outcome. As you conduct the experiment, you collect data, which is usually recorded on a table or in an some other organized fashion.
An experiment should always have clear and concise procedures to follow. Procedures also allow other people to reproduce the experiment. If your procedures are not allowing you to test your hypothesis, you must correct them.
ANALYSIS
Analyze data and draw conclusions
Once an experiment is complete, the results need to be analyzed to determine if the outcome supports your hypothesis. To do this, scientists interpret the data, create graphs or charts, or even use mathematics to make connections between the variables.
The goal is for the scientist to make inferences about their experimental data. An inference is a conclusion derived from evidence and logical reasoning.
Once a conclusion is made, you can communicate your results, or use the results to help you do new investigations.
Define prediction and explain how it is used to formulate a hypothesis.
Predicting means you are anticipating what will happen as a consequence of something else. Constructing a hypothesis gives you variables to test in the investigations.
Most hypotheses are made using an “if, then” statement. If “this” happens, then “that” will take place.
Define inference and explain how it is used to form conclusions.
An inference is a conclusion derived from evidence and logical reasoning.
If you see footprints in the sand going in the direction of the beach, you can use logical reasoning to infer that someone recently walked down to the shore. The same reasoning can be used when analyzing results and formulating a conclusion
What makes scientific investigations similar to other types of investigations?
In a criminal investigation, facts are collected about a crime that has already happened. While there are individual tests that can be done on certain types of evidence, there isn’t an experiment to test every part of a crime. It can also be difficult to control all factors in a crime scene in order to test one variable at a time. Usually, there are so many variables and missing facts in a crime that a hypothesis and conclusion are hard to determine.
